IT Project Manager

Introduction

We are currently supporting a search for an IT Project Manager to join our client, an organisation in the manufacturing industry, at its Tokyo office. The role begins in the PMO of a major SAP implementation programme and then moves into leading related IT projects. It suits someone who combines structured project discipline with a proactive, hands-on way of working.

About the Role

In this permanent position, reporting to the Program Manager, you will first join the SAP implementation project as a PMO member and become a core part of how it is run. From there, you will take on the Project Manager role for surrounding IT projects, owning them from planning through to completion. You will work with business departments, the IT function, overseas sites and external vendors, using your understanding of manufacturing processes to keep delivery aligned with how the business operates and with company-wide standards and IT governance.

Responsibilities

PMO for the SAP implementation (initial phase) * Track progress, issues, risks, quality and cost across the project * Run meetings and prepare reporting materials * Support the steering committee

End-to-end project management (subsequent phase) * Lead surrounding IT projects from planning through execution to completion * Manage scope, WBS, schedule, budget, resources and risk * Oversee each phase, from requirements definition, design, development and testing through to production migration and adoption

Stakeholder coordination * Negotiate and coordinate with business departments, the IT department, overseas sites and vendors * Build consensus among diverse stakeholders

Vendor and governance management * Select vendors and manage their contracts, deliverables and scope * Ensure compliance with company-wide standards and IT governance

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience implementing IT systems
• At least 3 years of experience in project management
• Business-level English: able to take part in and report at PMO meetings in English and handle coordination independently (TOEIC 800+ as a guide, with emphasis on practical, conversational ability)
• A self-starter who identifies issues and drives them forward on their own initiative
• Strong communication skills and a bias for action
• Logical thinking combined with strong execution, and the ability to make decisions and move forward in uncertain situations
• Strongly preferred: SAP project experience, PMP, or other project management qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2, P2M, IPA Project Manager)
• Strongly preferred: an understanding of manufacturing processes and business knowledge, and experience in a foreign-affiliated company or global environment
• Welcome: SAP or other IT qualifications, and accounting qualifications or knowledge (e.g. bookkeeping)

Why Apply

• Play a central role in an SAP implementation from the start of your tenure
• Move on to lead your own IT projects as Project Manager after the PMO phase
• Own projects across the full lifecycle, from requirements through to adoption
• Work with business departments, IT, overseas sites and vendors, and gain broad exposure to a global project environment
• Build visibility through steering committee support and reporting
• Join as a permanent employee at a Tokyo office, with a defined reporting line to the Program Manager